Cebu City Hall to deploy 280 tanks to barangays

CEBU, Philippines — Rainwater harvesting is gaining ground in Cebu City as 280 intermediate bulk container (IBC) tanks—each with a 1,000-liter capacity—are set for deployment across barangays to support water conservation and climate adaptation efforts.

The tanks, donated by Carmen Copper Corporation and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), were turned over to the Cebu City Government on Friday, according to the City’s Public Information Office (PIO).

Mayor Nestor Archival said that the initiative directly supports his 10-Point Agenda on environmental protection and sustainable urban development.

“These tanks will help communities store rainwater for cleaning, gardening, and other non-potable uses—reducing pressure on our water supply and building resilience against dry spells,” Archival said.

Rainwater catchment systems—also known as rainwater harvesting systems—are designed to collect and store rainwater from surfaces like rooftops, which is then conveyed through gutters and stored in tanks for later use.

These systems are vital for supplementing water supply, especially in areas facing seasonal shortages or unreliable access.

Water catchment systems also play a critical role in disaster preparedness as it help communities manage excessive rainfall and store water for use during dry spells, reducing vulnerability to both flooding and drought.

They also mitigate stormwater runoff, which can overwhelm drainage systems and pollute waterways accordingly.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) will coordinate with barangay leaders to ensure proper installation, usage, and maintenance.

The rollout is designed to strengthen grassroots capacity for water management, especially in upland and densely populated areas.

In a parallel effort to restore Cebu’s rivers, the city government is ramping up its waste management and waterway protection campaign in partnership with RiverRecycle, CCENRO, the Department of Public Services (DPS), and the CCCI.

This focuses on four critical waterways—Bulacao River, Guadalupe River, Kinalumsan River, and Tagunol Creek—where floating booms will be installed to trap debris, and barangays will be mobilized for regular waste collection and monitoring.

Rivers are essential to flood control, and a clean one is also needed for public health, and biodiversity.

A sustained coordination between city departments, barangay units, and private sector partners are also needed to make it last. (CEBU NEWS)